Post-Separation Abuse Episodes

In this rerelease episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Brandon talks with forensic psychologist Dr. Joni Johnston about the psychology behind stalking and how unwanted attention can develop into an ongoing pattern of fear and control. Dr. Johnston explains the five types of stalkers, the stages of an obsessive ex, and why rejection following an abusive relationship can increase the risk of escalation. They also discuss documenting incidents, online stalking, restraining orders, trusting your ins...

In this debrief episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Brandon examines the key patterns in Elly’s survivor story, including how childhood chaos taught her to function around unstable people and how caretaking became the role she carried into her marriage. He also discusses why addiction does not excuse abuse, how intimidation can be a form of physical violence, and why silence can sometimes feel like the safest way to survive. Brandon also explores the impossible position Elly faced as a mother w...

In this rerelease episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Terry shares the story of a relationship marked by physical violence, threats, isolation, stalking, and an intense trauma bond. What began with relentless pursuit and attention slowly became constant monitoring, public humiliation, financial sabotage, and escalating abuse. Even after Terry tried to leave, her abuser continued to threaten her children, violate restraining orders, follow her, destroy property, and appear wherever she went. Ter...

In this rerelease episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Brandon discusses why leaving an abusive relationship can be so difficult and why survivors should never be shamed for staying. He explores the emotional attachment created through cycles of abuse, along with the fear, financial dependence, isolation, custody concerns, health needs, immigration issues, cultural pressure, and lack of institutional support that can make leaving feel dangerous or impossible. This episode also examines how hope,...

In this debrief episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Brandon breaks down the key takeaways from Louise’s story, including projection, financial dependence, post-separation abuse, and the slow erosion of reality inside a long-term abusive relationship. Louise’s story shows how an abuser’s conflicts with other people can become a warning sign, how small denials can train someone to question what they know, and how one person’s version of reality can begin to dominate the entire relationship. It al...

In this rerelease episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Angelica tells the story of her controlling physically abusive relationship. Angelica's future husband was her child's martial arts instructor. Angelica saw him as responsible and safe. However, the persona Angelica's husband projected to the outside world was just a facade. Once they got married, Angelica's husband became very controlling, was unfaithful, and became sexually, physically, financially, and emotionally abusive toward her. It's...

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, we discuss how smart devices and smart technology can be used as tools of coercive control, surveillance, harassment, and post-separation abuse. Brandon talks about smart locks, cameras, doorbell systems, thermostats, smart speakers, connected cars, family accounts, AirTags, GPS trackers, and children’s devices. He explains how these tools can be used to create fear, doubt, isolation, sleep deprivation, and a sense that the survivor is being watched even...

In this rerelease episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Parker shares her story of growing up inside a high-control religious environment, surviving sexual assault as a teenager, and later marrying a manipulative and controlling abuser who used her faith, fear, guilt, and responsibility for the family against her. It's a story of spiritual abuse, coercive control, entitlement, escalations, suicide threats, post separation abuse, child hood sexual abuse, court, protection orders, parental alienati...

In this debrief episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Brandon breaks down Rebelle’s story and the patterns that kept her tied to a relationship built on charm, fantasy, and control. What began as a relationship that felt like fate slowly became a cycle of gaslighting, stonewalling, weaponized incompetence, betrayal, and emotional exhaustion. Brandon discusses how Rebelle’s strength was used against her, how her husband’s woundedness became a way to avoid accountability, and how the dream of the r...

In this debrief episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Brandon breaks down Francesca’s story and the patterns of coercive control that shaped her relationship. What began with attention, validation, and grand romantic gestures slowly turned into something far more dangerous: boundary testing, jealousy, surveillance, body control, isolation, and fear. Francesca was not just being criticized or monitored. She was being conditioned to live under constant scrutiny, where nearly every choice, interaction...

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Brandon follows up on Catherine’s survivor story by breaking down the coercive control, fear, obligation, guilt, shame, and post-separation abuse that shaped her experience. Catherine’s story began with trust, moved quickly through love bombing and emotional dependency, and escalated into physical violence, intimidation, isolation, and long-term control centered around her son. This debrief explores how coercive control erodes a survivor’s sense of self,...

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse Q&A, we explore why some abusive partners don’t let go after the relationship ends — and instead escalate their behavior in an attempt to regain control. Many survivors expect leaving to bring peace. But for those dealing with a vindictive narcissist, separation can trigger retaliation, punishment, and prolonged psychological warfare. Drawing from survivor patterns we’ve heard in stories like Rose’s, and Wednesday’s, we break down what vindictive behavior really means, what causes it, and why it often emerges after a narcissistic injury — when the abuser experiences your independence as a threat to their identity and control.

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse Q&A, Brandon talks with High Conflict Divorce Expert, Jody Willson Pasicznyk, about high conflict divorce, attorney management, the litigation process, and story telling.

In this Narcissist Apocalypse reflection episode, we return to Kris’s survivor story to explore what it means to live in the fog of fear, obligation, and guilt. We look at how these forces quietly keep survivors tethered long after the abuse, and why clarity often comes slowly, not all at once. This episode is about naming what lingered — and beginning to loosen its hold. If you want to be a guest on our survivor story podcast, please ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ o...

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse Q&A, Brandon Chadwick and Susie Wendel discuss the importance of going no contact with an abuser, emphasizing the need to break the trauma bond. Susie highlights the significance of healing, gaining clarity, and regulating the nervous system. They address common challenges like fear, obligation, and guilt, and stress the importance of preparing mentally and emotionally.

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Megan's survivor story pulls back the curtain on the harsh realities of coping with physical and emotional abuse, as well as navigating the murky waters of post-separation abuse. Megan experienced smear campaigns, putdowns, physical abuse, gaslighting, psychological control tactics, and the use of her daughter as a tool of manipulation. Plus, Megan explores the complexities and frustrations of co-parenting with a manipulative abuser. *** CONTENT WARNING...

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse Q&A, Brandon talks with Dr. Christine Cocchiola & Amy Polacko about their new and important book 'Framed: Women In The Family Court Underworld'. Our conversation centers around the struggles of mothers facing abuse in family court, with a focus on validating experiences through the reading of survivor stories and enacting change. Dr. Christine Cocchiola & Amy Polacko also give some personal insights and strategies for navigating family courts, highlighting the importance of advocacy and education to create a more comprehensive approach in the legal system.

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Mae shares her journey as a survivor of domestic violence and narcissistic abuse. She describes the early red flags, including love bombing, control, and isolation. Despite initial displays of love and support, her husband's behavior deteriorated, becoming marked by physical violence, emotional abuse, and financial manipulation. Key incidents included a New Year's Eve attack and a bar altercation, which led to his incarceration for assault and domestic v...

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, past guests share their wisdom on dealing with narcissistic abuse. Key advice includes not dismissing loved ones experiencing abuse, trusting one's instincts, and surrounding oneself with supportive people. Emphasis is placed on self-compassion, recognizing red flags, and the importance of community support. The guests stress the need to let go of self-blame, to seek help, and to be cautious when leaving abusive situations. In this volume, you'll hear...

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, we unravel the intricate web of emotional turmoil that accompanies this festive season, especially for those trying to co-parent with a controlling partner or ex-partner. Together with Jean, we traverse the challenging path of the holidays with abusive partners and family members. Additionally, we put a spotlight on self-care and proactive planning to handle potential mishaps, such as handling derogatory remarks and put downs from narcissistic abusers. ...

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Sally shares her journey from a stable childhood to an abusive marriage. Sally met her abuser in college and, at first, their relationship seemed normal. However, about six months into their marriage, abuse began to surface, driven by his jealousy and insecurities. As the jealousy intensified, the situation quickly escalated to physical abuse. Like many others, Sally remained in the relationship for over a decade due to fear and societal expectations. Ev...

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Brandon talks with Moon about her abusive relationship with a manipulative future-faking narcissist. At 32, Moon sought a life partner, leading to a whirlwind romance with her now ex-husband. Moon's ex was initially charming, but it didn't take long for his manipulative behavior to be revealed. Moon endured a myriad of abuses, including infidelity, control tactics, isolation, emotional abuse, animal abuse, and physical violence. Thankfully, Moon survived...

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Brandon talks with Kaya about her toxic relationship with a psychological abuser. It's a story of addiction, fear, smear campaigns, post relationship abuse, gaslighting, triangulation, spirituality, the big book, feeling seen, push/pulls, isolation, custody, victim playing, murder, child bullying, child mimicking abuse, rage, reactive abuse, health issues, mirroring, common enemies, physical abuse, and PTSD. *** CONTENT WARNING - This episode mentions ...

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Brandon talks with Riley about her controlling relationship with a triangulating physical abuser. It’s a story of self-love deficit, fixing potential, generational trauma, financial abuse, intimate partner violence, the struggle to leave for good, self-worth, coercive control, relationship rights, infidelity, hoovering, grief, idealization, devaluation, and single moms. *** CONTENT WARNING *** - We graphically discuss childhood sexual abuse, childhood ...